Sleep difficulties are a common issue for young people that can have a significant impact on their mental health. Research indicates that about 70% of young people with mental health concerns also experience insomnia, which is characterized by difficulties falling or staying asleep and can lead to daytime impairment. Despite the high prevalence of these issues, effective treatments are lacking.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) has shown promise in addressing the underlying psychological factors contributing to insomnia, such as anxiety and worry. This therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of CBTi on sleep quality in young people aged 12-24. However, it is still unclear how well this therapy works for young people with mental health issues and whether non-expert practitioners can effectively deliver it.
Given the shortage of mental health services for young people, this study aimed to explore the feasibility of a modified form of CBTi tailored for young individuals (aged 14-25) and delivered by non-expert practitioners in a secondary care youth mental health service. Results showed that the intervention was well-received, with high referral and uptake rates. Participants reported improvements in sleep, psychological distress, and progress towards personal goals following the intervention, demonstrating the potential efficacy of this adapted CBTi program.
While this study had limitations, such as a small sample size and lack of a control group, it highlights the importance of offering accessible and effective interventions for young people struggling with sleep and mental health issues. Future research should focus on replicating these findings in larger and more diverse populations, as well as incorporating objective sleep measures to complement self-reported data. Overall, this study underscores the need for innovative and inclusive interventions to address the mental health needs of young people.
